Watching strongmen in Budapest taught me about bracing.

They had this old school way of breathing before a heavy lift. I've adapted it over time and it's still my go to for stability. What old form cues do you still swear by?

3 comments

3 Comments

val_chen161mo ago

So how did you actually learn their specific breathing pattern, like was there a visual cue or something?

margaret6361mo ago

Honestly I tried to copy it by puffing up my chest like a cartoon character the first time. Ngl I looked ridiculous and still dropped the weight. The real trick was that sharp hiss they make, not just holding air. Took me ages to stop turning purple.

wright.claire1mo agoMost Upvoted

Actually, what clicked for me was realizing the hiss happens right as you hit the sticking point in the lift, not before. @val_chen16, I started watching powerlifters' lower ribs flare out instead of their chest. That visual showed me how to brace my abs and back together. Once I linked the breath to that specific muscle tightness, it stopped feeling forced.